76ers’ Joel Embiid Could Return Tuesday vs. Thunder

According to multiple NBA reports, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid could return against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday (April 2). 

Embiid underwent surgery on his left knee to address a meniscus injury. He was diagnosed with a displaced flap of his meniscus.

One of the best players in the NBA, Embiid is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks this season while shooting 53.3% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 88.3% from the free-throw line. The All-Star has 27 double-doubles and two triple-doubles in 34 games.

Embiid told NBA reporters on February 29 that he hoped to play again this season and it looks like his wish will come to fruition. 

“That’s the plan,” Embiid said. “Obviously everything has to go right, as far as getting healthy and being as close as I’m supposed to be. But yeah, that’s the plan.”

Embiid will not win his second straight MVP Award since he will fall short of the NBA’s 65-game minimum to earn postseason awards. 

“That’s why it was extremely disappointing because I was on a roll and I felt like I wasn’t even close to where I wanted to be, body-wise and basketball-wise because I wasn’t at my best,” Embiid said. “So I felt like there was still another level that I could go to. It was very disappointing. But I was having fun, playing, getting a lot of wins, dominating.”

The Sixers have never advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era. Embiid has career averages of 27.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.7 blocks. He’s fourth in NBA history in points per game.

Embiid signed a four-year, $213 million extension with the Sixers in August 2021. He’s making $47.6 million this season and will make $51.4 million in 2024-25. 

The Sixers are 40-35 on the season. They are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.